u/Emotional-Change-722

I’ve other concerns regarding this tomfoolery (cliff notes: rheumatoid doc took blood and tons of x-rays from my affected joints- and toes, ankles, wrists, shoulders).

He said the lump on my toe is a bunion. I saw the podiatrist about my bunion. The podiatrist said this lump is gout and a bunion. He was running the ultrasound and pointed out the lumps when he said this.

I’m sorry for the mistakes - I’m super tired. Anyway- show off your gout!!

Edit: after looking at the pictures here of your gout, my gout doesn’t look the same. My uric acid was 4.6 (I forget the unit).

Ugh.

So my big toes is sore and the first knuckle is swollen. I let time go by, then my knee, wrist, and thumb all had red/swollen sore joints. I immediately think gout. I went and saw a rheumatologist who collected blood and X-rays.

At the end of July- he says “nope, not gout. Osteoarthritis” and sends me on my way with the words- hey- go to a podiatrist for your bunion.

One week later I get taken by ambulance to the hospital and diagnosed with PRES, which can result from several things, including autoimmune diseases. But I don’t have one. Right?

So, I saw the podiatrist this morning. X-rays and ultrasound and he looks at my inflamed wrist, knee, thumb and toe. He says “gout!” I say “that’s not what the rheumatologist said.” He looks at my toe and says “see all this- yes, you have a bunion, but you definitely have gout too.” He wasn’t familiar with PRES, but really, not many doctors are. He wants the bloodwork from the rheumatologist to take a look and I AM SO THANKFUL.

I will have to have my toe cleaned out, but I can schedule that down the line.

I’m ready for a true and real diagnosis.

So, thanks to injuries and now just a lack of self confidence- I’ve found myself playing catcher 99.9% of the time and I do not mind it. I was a catcher when I played fast pitch (I’m a woman).

I also stink at batting (but I’m working on it).

Anyway- I’m pretty good at reading body language and I absolutely love chatting with the umpire and opposing teammates. I’ve learned more about people in 2 minutes than probably many do in two hours. It’s fascinating what people will talk about, if allowed.

That being said- I’m signed up to play in a few tournaments and knowing that I’m a weak link, I’d like to be more helpful.

Is there any correlation between the way a person has their feet positioned and where the ball will go? I’m thinking specifically the batter’s big toe? Perhaps even if the batter is standing before the plate?

I’ve noticed a few who like their balls high and outside and there’s not much warning I can give my team beforehand (when the batter is mid swing, I don’t think it’s appropriate to yell for my team to shift).

I’m also pretty good at recognizing and remembering players and what they swing at or where their ball generally goes- that’s helpful, right? I had a teammate playing shortstop and I tried to get her to move left based on where the batter was looking and my memory that he hit them towards the foul line- she brushed me off and ignored me for the rest of the game. I felt like a hindrance the rest of the game.

Anyway- I’m all ears when it comes to being tips and tricks and more helpful.

Thank you.

I went to my first appointment yesterday. He didn’t seem convinced I had gout. The rheumatologist ordered tons of blood and x-rays.

Mentioned a few types of arthritis. This makes me not at all happy. lol. I was hoping for a quick fix.

My Utica acid was 4.6 mg/dl

My shoulder, big toe, knee, thumb and wrist are killing me.

SO- update-
I met with my rheumatologist this morning. He’s not positive I have gout. He’s thinking is a mix of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. I had tons of blood taken and x-rays.

So- I guess an updated question- are rheumatologist good at solving these issues?

Thanks!

50f here and I am 99% sure I have gout- it started in my big toe about two months ago. Then my knee a month ago. My finger and hand within the last two days.

I have an appointment with a rheumatologist on Wednesday- but I’m wondering g from a kidney point of view-what does this mean? Are my kidneys failing or having a harder time flushing? I’ve had two kidney/blood infections that put me in the hospital and I’d kind of like a heads up if this gout is a precursor.

Any correlation?
Thanks.

50f here and I am 99% sure I have gout- it started in my big toe about two months ago. Then my knee a month ago. My finger and hand within the last two days.

I have an appointment with a rheumatologist on Wednesday- but I’m wondering g from a kidney point of view-what does this mean? Are my kidneys failing or having a harder time flushing? I’ve had two kidney/blood infections that put me in the hospital and I’d kind of like a heads up if this gout is a precursor.

Any correlation?
Thanks.

I need help. Please.

So, I’m a captain of a coed softball team. I always ask my team how they liked “that” order (the one batted that night) or if they have any thoughts.

Their answer- “X, we’ll hit where you want us to.”

I don’t mind taking charge but I realize I don’t have all the answers. Also, I’m a woman and I don’t know or if the guys are just being nice b/c that’s how they were raised or what.

Anyway- is it “good” “good” not so good? And for this league I have to alternate my men and women.

I have three/four phenomenal male hitters- consistently phenomenal. Sometimes the offense will peg where their ball drops and it’s an out, but they could probably still get runners who tagged up in.

I have maybe one consistent good female hitter, infield home run- that was fun to watch.

And then me. If I’m batting good- it’s going well. Otherwise I hit those stupid moving bunts- it’s where the ball drops between home and pitch or 3rd and pitch. So very aggravating. (I’m working on it).

How do I piece this batting order together where my players are optimized?

Thank you.

Where is your hotel? When are you flying in/out?

Basically- what’s your logistics?

Thank you.

I’m planning mine but not finding a lot of details for when the events start/stop and I need to plan my flights/hotel.

Hi. I have a few questions.

1. what is the difference between “draft tournaments” and “super draft tournaments” ?

2. Situation: I am a fit, recently divorced woman who qualifies for “senior” league softball (age 35+). I am not the worst, nor am I the best player.

I’ve seen these “draft” tournaments come across my feed and they intrigue me as it seems I could sign up as a solo woman and “just” be picked into a team. I wouldn’t mind making a little weekend getaway if I found one on a weekend that my kids were with their dad and in a place that I’d like to visit.

However- I don’t want to be a disappointment to my teammates. Again- I’m not the best. I do play multiple times during the week, but I’d like to “vacation with a purpose.” Lol

My sons have been practicing popups with me and I can pitch, so I’ve been pitching to them- yet, they still smoke me rather good. I’m working on both offense and defense but my boys definitely play at another level which makes me worry that if I sign up to play in a draft tournament, I’ll disappoint my team.

Thank you for your opinions!

Apologies in advance as I’m sure I’ll mess up a term or two.

So, I’ve been looking for USSSA 220/240 bats. I went to the Sideline Swap site and found a few. But it occurred to me that- after a teammate told me about “hollowing out” or fixing bats- how would I know? I don’t want to insult everyone who has a bat I might be interested in with asking “has your bat been altered?” That just seems rude. But- are there obvious signs? Or does this happen so very rarely i shouldn’t be worried?

Thank you in advance.

I was just asked to participate in a women’s 40t+ Senior tournament.

I’m awaiting rules and whatnot, but it’s USA/ASA.

Do I “get” to use a “senior” bat?

Apologies if I misuse terms. I’m used to playing with 20/30’s.

Thanks.,

AND I’m SO EXCITED! I just got back into playing and this’ll be my first tournament! It’s in Louisiana!

So, I currently catch most of the time due to injuries. Occasional pitching. However, I’m looking to and hoping to move to OF. I “used to” be fairly good at catching flies. Since then, I feel like I suck and have much practice to do. I envy those who can shag the ball and make it look easy.

Not that it matters (I don’t think?) but I’ve two concerns life like tips for improvement on.

1. catching pop ups. My sons are great about “helping me practice” and we’ve plans to take the tee out so they can just hit to their hearts content. What should I do I my end to make the most of practice? They’re pre-teen and teen. Their energy is endless and they heckle the hell out of me. Is “depth perception” just a lick of the draw? Do we lose that ability as we age? Can i practice it “back”?

2. my arm. How best can I strengthen my throws? At one time I could throw from L to first. That was eons ago. I do tend to get lazy when I know the person on the receiving end can adapt. But are they specific exercises? Must I lift weights? Pushups? Or just “throw” but that’s not helping my distance, so far..

3. I’m a right handed batter that usually hits to the left field. I’d really like to hit to the right. Tips?

I am coming off some pretty significant injuries. But I don’t want to handicap myself forever.

Thank you.

Not sure if this is relevant- but I’m a female captain of three co-Ed teams and one women’s team.

I have a player (female) that plays on two of my teams. She’s paid the dues and even came to one non mandatory practice.

Our first game, her husband brought the kids’ into the dugout and tried being the batboy. I say try- cause most of us were confused as to why he was there. Especially with the kids, but- whatever. Let’s call her A.

At the start of the season, I put everyone on notice that I’m playing injured, but recovering- I have a pretty significant quad tear. For mobility purposes, IF my coed needs a fifth - I play catcher (can’t screw that up too bad and my pitchers will come in if need be. Otherwise, I sit on the bench and sub, as needed.

Welp-last Sunday I ended up in an accident that caused significant mobility issues. I’ll be fine with a little time. I pulled some favors and got two women subs. One of those women is dealing with a pulled calf. She had told me that she’d prefer catching for the same reason I prefer it. Let’s call her D.

I elected to not play today. Though, apparently the first game was a shitshow. (Still won).

I let the team know to put D and catch. Because I’ve played about 10 games with A- I knew that if she played anything other than catcher, she sulks. I’ve put her at 2 and 3 and I played SS when my other gal caught. A just watched the balls roll by and pop up and make no effort. Quite frustrating for the rest of us.

Anyway- our first game and D is catching. A Showed up halfway thru the second inning. My team was on the field. We were solid on the numbers. Apparently (I was told this by about five people) that A yelled into the field “do you even need me?” My teammates said “if you want to play- stay. Then she got sulky when they told her she’d be playing in the outfield. In the end, b/c the woman who was giving directions, asked “where do you want to play?” A said “I prefer catching.” So, they made my sub with an injured calf play out in R field.

A’s husband has already called me a “fucking bitch.” So, I’m not too afraid of rocking boats.

I had her at second once and she got mad at the SS (not me- I was present but not playing. for helping with the bag. She called the SS off- but turned around and missed every ball. I was not the SS- I was on the bench nursing my injuries.

I sent her a DM telling her that her behaviour was unacceptable.

Thoughts? Anyone deal with players who sulk, cause delay of play and what looks like purposely play like shit?

We had a game the other night. I thought the umpire was strict but fair. I do have a question though.

We were visitors. Umpire started the game. Our first batter wasn’t ready and we nearly took an out b/c of that.

Is that a real rule? She was slow and not listening but is that a real rule?

Thanks.

So, I went to the batting cages after my game. I hit horribly. So I decided to just go so that I could get a video for critique purposes.

First off, I’m a woman and pretty (very) self conscious about my batting. I was super anxious walking in. But the couple conversations had me wondering…

At the desk was the cashier and talking to her was some guy. She was awesome at explaining the “how -to’s.” Which I appreciated. The man standing next to her asked about my softball experience- league and all that. They both chuckled with me when I explained that I could hit just as good with a blindfold on as off.

He then asked what positions I played. I brought up that I pitch. He said that female pitchers make him nervous and implied that it made most men nervous. Turns out he’s a “tournament player” and that his “at bats” against female pitchers resulted in him underperforming the most. (Admittedly, that made me chuckle but I’m not pitching to him).

Is there any truth to that? Obviously he can’t speak for all, but in general, do female pitchers make male batters nervous? He said that women don’t get into the defensive positions like men do. Many of the leagues I play in have a HALO rule, but that doesn’t do much for protection.

I am in no way suggesting any inferiority- either felt or implied by him and his teammate (both “tournament players” and instructors).

Btw, the entire interaction with him actually eased my nerves a bit. And I walked out with a name/number should I need a substitute sometime (I had to share the softball machine with a college student who was practicing bunting- she was super supportive).

Sorry this is long, I’m just happy I left there feeling good about myself.